Discover Vaughan’s virtual business supports

Jan. 29, 2021 10:00 a.m.
City programs, events and services continue online throughout the  pandemic

The City of Vaughan continues to respond to the second wave of COVID-19 – including the Province of Ontario’s stay-at-home order and declaration of a second provincial emergency – with many City programs, events and services continuing, virtually.
 
As small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of Vaughan’s economy, virtual consultations, informative webinars and networking opportunities are just some of the valuable City services offered throughout the pandemic. Here are some examples of how the City is supporting businesses:
 
Social Enterprise 101
The York Region Social Enterprise 101 program is an eight-week, part-time, online program that covers the foundations of social entrepreneurship. The key to developing a social enterprise is a commitment to a social mission that can do good and make a difference in a community. This program will help participants identify problems, develop a solution and turn an idea into a sustainable business or non-profit model that can make a positive impact. Applications close Sunday, Jan. 31. For more information and to register, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/SocialEnterprise101.
 
Vaughan Business Expo
The 19th annual Vaughan Business Expo presented by Allstate Canada is taking place on Tuesday, Feb. 23. It will offer business professionals and entrepreneurs a full day of workshops and panels with leading business experts to provide them with information and inspiration to help their companies grow. Register now at vaughanbusiness.ca/expo.
 
Additional supports include:
  • vaughanbusiness.ca: The dedicated COVID-19 website includes information on resources available to businesses from all levels of government.
  • Virtual business advisory services: Staff are available to support with registering a business, business planning, accessing government assistance programs and more.
  • Sector-specific eNewsletters: Sign up to receive updates that keep businesses up to date on government announcements, funding and relevant programming.
  • Online resources: In addition to the #ShopVaughanLocal campaign and the Open For Business webpage, entrepreneurs can access virtual business events and webinars hosted across York Region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
  • Vaughan Rising Podcast: Season two of the podcast examines the resilience of Vaughan’s business community and talks to leaders who are pivoting, innovating and doing what it takes to make it through to the other side of the pandemic.
  • Lynda.com: Residents can visit this online learning platform to view thousands of free video tutorial courses on technology, software development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills like animation and video editing. Visit vaughanpl.info/vpl_at_home#businesses for more online resources.
EVENTS
City-led events continue virtually so residents can enjoy them from the safety and comfort of home. Coming up in February are  the City’s annual Black History Month event on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. and the first-ever virtual Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest presented by TD and event sponsor Tim Hortons on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Visit vaughan.ca/EventCalendar to stay informed about all upcoming City events.
 
WASTE
In response to COVID-19 and the Joint Operations Centre’s current closure, many services have moved online to assist residents with proper waste disposal.
 
  • Garbage tags: Residents can purchase garbage tags online only using the Service Vaughan portal at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan. Garbage tags are mailed out within two business days.
  • Blue box and green bin exchange: The City is offering a temporary bin exchange program by home delivery, which allows residents to replace broken City-issued blue boxes and green bins that have the City logo. Exchanges can be made using the Service Vaughan online portal at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
  • Recycle Coach app: Download the free app for complete waste and recycling information and customized notifications.
  • Waste-less Virtual Visit: For one-on-one video coaching on how to divert more materials into blue boxes and green bins, book a free 20-minute virtual session by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
  • What Goes Where?: The City’s online sorting tool to help determine how to dispose of an item is available at vaughan.ca/waste. 
LIBRARY
Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) continues to keep residents informed, educated and active with many online resources.
 
  • vaughanpl.info/vpl_at_home: VPL’s fully digital library service features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more.
  • Virtual programs: Storytime live-streams, STEAM-activity videos, scavenger hunts, science experiments and more are available daily on VPL’s Instagram.
  • Extended Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi has been extended to reach the parking lot of Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library.
  • Curbside Pickup: The program is available at every library in Vaughan to provide customers with quick and convenient access. Reserve books and arrange a pickup date at vaughanpl.info/curbside.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Electronic-participation Committee of the Whole and Council meetings are continuing. Upcoming agendas can be viewed at vaughan.ca/CouncilMeetings. While Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public, visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more about how to participate virtually, including speaking live to Council via teleconference or telephone. Email or written communications are also accepted. Citizens can watch the meetings by tuning in to the live broadcast at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil.
 
The City is committed to involving citizens, businesses and stakeholders in conversations about municipal decisions that interest and/or impact them. There are virtual public engagement opportunities currently in the works for city-building projects. Visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more.
 
RECREATION SERVICES
As an alternative to in-person recreational programs, the City continues to livestream popular recreation programs for all ages and abilities via Zoom. Virtual winter programs currently underway include cooking, dance, musical theatre, health and wellness, science and technology, plus an educational series for preschoolers and individuals with special needs.
 
New virtual P.A. Day programs are continuously planned for ages five to 12. Fun activities include arts and crafts, games, science experiments, dance, karate and fitness. Programs are one hour in length and cost $15. Instruction occurs remotely, via Zoom and pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. New virtual recreation resources are also shared on the Recreation Services webpage on an ongoing basis, including arts and crafts, Vaughan Playschool educational worksheets, and Vaughan Playhouse Academy drama activities. To keep the community engaged and entertained, the City also runs fun, family-friendly social media contests. For regular updates on recreation programs, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
 
Virtual fitness classes are available via Zoom and are free for Vaughan Fitness Members. Classes include yoga, total body conditioning, barre, HIIT circuit training and Zumba. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Free full-length fitness classes (40 to 60 minutes long) are also streamed Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. on the recvaughan YouTube channel. For more information on virtual fitness offerings, visit vaughan.ca/fitness.
 
Fitness equipment packages are available for loan to current Vaughan Fitness members over the age of 18 for the duration of the current facility closures. Members can choose between a light or heavy package (while quantities last, limit of one package per household) and the program is free of charge – all that is required at the time of booking is a security deposit. Registration for the program is available through reconline.ca. For more information or to obtain a member barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or TTY at 1-866-543-0545 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 
 
OTHER VIRTUAL SERVICES
The City of Vaughan’s online reporting tool – Service Vaughan – is a digital platform that enables individuals to easily submit a service request, report on non-emergency City services and track submissions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The tool is available at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
 
Many other in-person services have moved online, including:
  • Building permits: Citizens and building industry professionals can apply, track and pay for permits online at vaughan.ca/PermitPortal.
  • Engineering permits: Permits for pools, grading for sheds, home additions and more can now be submitted and approved through vaughan.ca/DEPermits.
  • Planning applications: The City has developed a process to arrange Pre-Application Consultation meetings and to receive planning applications digitally. Visit vaughan.ca to view the application process. 
  • Parking permits: On-street, visitor and overnight parking permits can be obtained online at vaughan.ca/parking.
By reinvigorating traditional services, enhancing digital platforms and modifying in-person programs, the City is delivering Service Excellence – virtually – throughout the global pandemic.
 
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Residents can also visit:
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